Bukkasagara Nagappa Temple, also known as Sri Yeluhede
Nagappa Temple is located at Bukkasagara, Vijayanagara, Karnataka. The shrine is
dedicated to Adi Shesha as per some beliefs.
Bukkasagara Nagappa Temple – History & Significance
The Sri Yelu-Hede Nagappa temple dates back to the 13th
century CE, during the glorious period of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Historical Origin
According to tradition, during the reign of Emperor Sri
Krishnadevaraya, the royal couple was afflicted by Naga Dosha (serpent-related
astrological affliction). Acting on the advice of sages and ascetics, they
undertook penance and followed a sacred ritual path from Hampi, symbolically
shaped like a serpent. This spiritual journey led them to the present location
near Bukkasagara village, where the deity manifested naturally in the form of a
stone idol.
The temple houses:
- A Swayambhu (self-manifested) main idol
- Additional consecrated (Mantra-Pratishta) idols
Spiritual Benefits for Devotees
Devotees believe that worship at this temple grants:
- Marriage prospects (Kankana Bhagya)
- Blessings for childbirth
- Employment and career opportunities
- Dosha Nivarana (Relief from Astrological Afflictions)
Special rituals are performed to resolve:
- Naga Dosha
- Ashlesha Nakshatra Dosha
- Kuja Dosha (Mars-related affliction)
- Other planetary and ancestral disturbances through Shanti and Samskara rituals
Festivals & Special Pujas
- The temple is especially renowned for its rituals during Shravana Masa (July–August):
- Chaturthi and Panchami Tithis: Abhisheka to the Naga deity, with sacred water and prasada
- Shashti Tithi Puja
- Ashlesha Nakshatra Puja
- Nag Panchami Festival (Chaturthi & Panchami)
- Karthika Masa Shashti Puja is also considered highly auspicious
Daily Worship
- A special regional evening puja is performed daily
- Devotees participating with sincere prayers are believed to receive fulfillment of their wishes
Unique Ritual Offerings
Offerings made according to Hindu tradition include:
- Turmeric mixed with sacred water
- Rock salt
- Cow’s milk abhisheka
- During Shravana Masa, homemade traditional offerings such as:
- Tambittu unde (rice–jaggery balls)
- Peanut laddus
- Wild berries (Koulepai)
- Tender tamarind pods
- Seasonal forest produce
Architecture & Heritage
- The temple is built entirely in granite stone
- Pillars and walls feature intricate carvings depicting Vijayanagara-era history and sculpture
- The architectural style is a classic example of Vijayanagara temple craftsmanship
- The temple has undergone renovation (Jeernodhara) with the support of: local devotees of Bukkasagara and surrounding villages, The Department of Religious Endowments
The sacred Tungabhadra River flows approximately 1 km from
the temple